I'm currently looking at 3 bikes(well 5) but I'm not quite sure which way I should go. I have no need for suspention and disk brakes would be nice, but not anywhere near a requirement.

I'm 6 foot tall and wear a 30 inch inseam so I have a bit if a long torso and short legs. I've been on the Cadent and Misceo both can be made to work with fitting and head tube adjustments. I'm getting back into riding after a couple years off. I do manly 30 mile rides on pavement and gravel rail trails with commuting thrown in. If it's raining, I'm driving.

The bikes I'm looking at are the Raleigh Cadent 1 and 2, Raleigh Misceo 1 and 2 and the Giant Roam 3.

What are the differences between the Cadent and Misceo? Sadly I haven't been able to see them side by side(and I can't figure out anything from the website). Is the upgrade to the 2 models worth it?

The Giant is the cheapest of the group, but the suspention fork is pushing me away from it.

I didn't look up the Roam, but I did give the Raleigh models a quick glance.

Cadent 2 gives you an 8spd cassette, trigger shifters, and an upgraded wheelset over the Cadent 1.
Both Misceo models have the same wheels as the Cadent 2, the primary differences between the Misceo models is 7 vs 8 speeds in the rear and rim vs disc brakes.

I have a bias towards wider tires (or at least clearance for them), so I vote for the Misceo 1.

I suggest spending some time on Craigslist. You can pick up some great deals if you're patient. I just saw a 2012 Giant Roam 2 in near new condition for $325.00. A lot of people pay top dollar for new bikes with the intent to ride them but wind up as nothing more than a good intention to get into shape. Subsequently, the bike just sits in the garage and eventually, is sold for cheap. So, buy a great used one that fits and you'll be a happy camper. Good luck!

I suggest spending some time on Craigslist. You can pick up some great deals if you're patient. I just saw a 2012 Giant Roam 2 in near new condition for $325.00. A lot of people pay top dollar for new bikes with the intent to ride them but wind up as nothing more than a good intention to get into shape. Subsequently, the bike just sits in the garage and eventually, is sold for cheap. So, buy a great used one that fits and you'll be a happy camper. Good luck!

The Escape 2 was $409 so not too bad. I love to ride but wore my last bike out and didn't have the cash to get a new one. I just hope this bike lasts as long as my last one(15 years and probably 10,000 miles).